Universities as a model of universality: The UK example in Dubai

by Martin Banks

The Middlesex University of London has become the first UK university to open a dedicated campus abroad.

The campus, in Dubai, has over 3,000 students from over 90 countries currently enrolled on its books and has already been declared a big success.

With plans to roll out the idea to parts of Africa and Asia, the European Union and other member states are now being urged to encourage similar initiatives by other universities.

Middlesex University dates back to 1878 and is one of only a handful of UK universities to have been awarded three Queen´s anniversary prizes.

A spokesman said its decision to open a fully-fledged campus abroad has been more than vindicated and could prove the model for others to follow.

He said, "In Europe or in America, we are privileged to have access to universities at almost every corner and exchange programmes which allow us now to spend time in another campus, discovering another culture, another methodology and making friends from all around the globe.

"But there are regions of the world where this access is limited, where the choice is poor and where universities are not for everyone."

At its Dubai campus, the university has invested private resources to develop courses accessible to a maximum of candidates and offer a large spectrum of formations.

The spokesman said, "We believe that a university is a model of universality. By training the next generation of economic, politic or scientific leaders, we wish to contribute to the development of the region where we establish our campus because we know that foreign students coming to Europe often prefer to make their careers here.

"We also wish to teach our values and fundamental rights: tolerance, open mindedness, equality of gender, the rule of law and democracy."

Such has been the rapid success of the Dubai initiative that it is now developing sites in Uganda, Sri Lanka and Kenya and in French speaking Africa.

Academic programmes in Dubai have the same validation and monitoring system as at the university's London campus, with the same examinations taken simultaneously in both cities.

The honours and masters degrees awarded to Dubai campus students are therefore identical to those achieved by students at the London campuses, and students can transfer between campuses if they wish.

The campus is located in landscaped surroundings, and has state-of-the-art facilities.

The campus currently has over 20 classrooms, auditoriums, 7 computer labs (with over 240 computers), a conference centre, 2 student lounges, library and dedicated study rooms –with more facilities planned for the future.

It is located at the 'Knowledge Village' in Dubai, which is part of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone.

Accommodation is in state-of-the-art purpose-built halls of residence 20 minutes drive from campus.

Dubai itself is a modern, vibrant, cosmopolitan city.

In recent years a policy of diversifying national income has led to a move away from an oil-based economy towards strategic commercial ventures and this has resulted in unprecedented economic growth.

Students gain internationally recognised British qualifications and have the opportunity to study at one of the London campuses during their course.

The university spokesman went on, "But they receive more than a simple grade. They enjoy the lectures of renowned professors from different countries and backgrounds; they met people from various horizons and they have access to sports, culture and the arts.

"They become men and women ready to embark upon an active life with a strong heritage and good values. They are the potential leaders of tomorrow, and we wish to see many more coming to our campuses in Africa and Asia."

He added, "We wish to continue to develop partnerships with the best universities worldwide to ensure that our offer is of the best possible quality for a reasonable price, making it accessible for a large base of students.

"University education is an important export and a builder of bridges for cross-cultural understanding."

"Enhancing and expanding our facilities is crucial to the university’s growth, and to support the rising demand for higher education in Dubai."